ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civil award of Pakistan, on the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo, in a special investiture ceremony held here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, members of the federal cabinet, Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, parliamentarians, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Moreover, the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, also attended the ceremony.
Earlier, a meeting was held between the two leaders, which focused on historic ties between the two countries, shared values, and the long-standing foundations laid by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and President Sukarno.
Both Presidents noted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Indonesia and agreed that their relationship continues to rest on shared values and long-standing goodwill. They expressed the intent to work more closely for peace, stability, and prosperity.
President Zardari conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the recent floods and landslides in Sumatra. He prayed for eternal peace for those who lost their lives and wished a swift and full recovery to all those injured in this calamity.
The two leaders also spoke about their commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, tolerance, and inclusive development, while agreeing that these principles would guide their future cooperation. They reviewed the state of bilateral trade and appreciated the steady rise in economic engagement.
The President highlighted the need for more balanced market access and diversification of Pakistan’s exports. Both sides welcomed the establishment of the Joint Trade Committee as a useful forum for addressing trade issues and encouraging business linkages.
The meeting discussed areas where economic cooperation could expand, including information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, halal products, tourism, and infrastructure.
Both sides underlined the value of working together on climate resilience, disaster management, and sustainable development, given the shared challenges facing the two countries.
The two leaders agreed to further strengthen their defence cooperation, including through training and joint production. They reaffirmed close coordination between both countries at multilateral forums, including efforts to counter Islamophobia and support Muslim unity. Matters relating to the regional and international situation also came under discussion.
While underscoring the need for peace, security, and prosperity for the region, the President briefed the visiting dignitary on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
